Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Tanzanians are still facing a partial internet blackout, despite authorities announcing a gradual restoration of services after a highly controversial general election.
The blackout began on October 29, immediately after a tense election day marked by demonstrations and scattered unrest across the country.
Live metrics published by NetBlocks, a global internet observatory, on Monday evening confirmed that social media and messaging platforms remain heavily restricted. Many popular websites remain either inaccessible or slow to load, indicating that network throttling is still active nationwide.
Rights Groups Condemn the Shutdown
Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has strongly condemned the internet restrictions, calling them a blatant violation of fundamental rights.
“Imposing internet shutdowns, especially when people are protesting, stops important information from reaching citizens—such as how to find areas of safety or contact emergency services,” Amnesty said in a statement on Monday evening.
The organization also warned that the restrictions have hindered documentation of human rights abuses, including alleged killings and the disproportionate use of force by police and military officers.
Police Warnings as Curfew Remains in Effect
When internet connectivity was partially restored, users received a warning message from Tanzanian police urging citizens not to share photos or videos that could “cause panic.”
A 6 p.m. curfew remains in force in several regions, with security officials threatening stern action against those accused of spreading “propaganda” or organizing protests online.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila warned:
“Even if you see propaganda of any kind on social media about any area of the Dar es Salaam region, know the power that will be used to control the matter is seven times more than the force applied for planning it.”
Disputed Election Results and Public Outcry
The National Electoral Commission declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner with 98% of the vote, securing her second term in office.
The 65-year-old leader was sworn in on Monday at the State House in Dodoma in a closed ceremony attended by a few invited guests, while the public was barred from attending.
However, opposition parties have rejected the results, calling the election “flawed and undemocratic.”
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, claimed that hundreds of protesters were killed during post-election unrest — allegations the government has dismissed as “hugely exaggerated.”
The internet blackout has further crippled independent verification of assault and murder claims made by activists and civil society groups.
Growing International Concern
Several international observers and human rights organizations have urged the Tanzanian government to fully restore internet access and allow independent investigations into alleged election-related violence.
Analysts warn that continued restrictions could damage Tanzania’s democratic reputation and further isolate the country from the global community.
